I love the whole Christmas season, that’s for sure. But I really, really love the events that capture the true meaning of the holiday. For me, those are the religious events like this week’s Bethlehem Story in Spring Valley and Bethlehem Walk in Escondido where the respective church grounds are transformed into a replica of Bethlehem village as it might have been during the time of Christ.

Walk the streets of a Bethlehem bazaar and be a part of the reenactment of the birth of Christ during Faith Chapel’s Bethlehem Story.

A walk through “Bethlehem” is a breathtaking way to celebrate Christmas. These photos were taken at Faith Chapel’s Bethlehem Story, which includes live animals, music, dance, trades to try, tastes of authentic food served in biblical times, and a visit from the angels proclaiming the birth of our Savior. Both Bethlehem events are free and open to the public.

Living nativities are also a beautiful way to celebrate Christmas. St.Mark’s United Methodist Church in Clairemont has been hosting this fabulous event for several years. Children get to participate in the nativity scene then take a walk through the Bethlehem marketplace where there will be a petty corral and other activities.

Through January 6th, visitors to Seaworld will be taken back in time during the theme park’s living nativity musical, O Wondrous Night. Inspired by the original story of Christmas, this incredible show features singing, puppeteering and live animals that help tell the story of Jesus’ birth from the perspective of the animals who witnessed it.